Dòngyáo describes a state of wavering or the act of causing something (like beliefs or stability) to become unsteady.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Wavering, irresolute, or causing instability.
- Affects beliefs, decisions, positions, or even physical stability.
- Implies a loss of firmness or a challenge to the status quo.
Overview
动摇 (dòngyáo) 是一个描述不稳定状态或使其不稳定的动作的动词。它常用于形容人的意志、信念、决心，但也可能指物体、局面等的稳定性受到影响。这个词语的核心在于“动”和“摇”，形象地描绘了事物不再保持原有稳定状态，开始晃动、不确定的样子。在B2级别，学习者应能理解其在不同语境下的引申义，并能恰当运用。
动摇主要用作及物动词或不及物动词。作为及物动词时，它表示“使…动摇”，后面通常跟抽象名词，如信念、决心、立场、信心等。例如：“外部的压力动摇了他的决心。” 作为不及物动词时，它表示“（自己）动摇了”，强调的是主语自身状态的变化。例如：“面对困难，他的信心开始动摇。” 动摇也可以用于描述非生命体的状态，如“大树在风中摇摇欲坠，随时可能动摇”。
Examples
面对巨大的压力，他的决心开始动摇了。
everydayFacing immense pressure, his resolve began to waver.
尽管遭受了外部的质疑和内部的分裂，该组织的领导地位并未动摇。
formalDespite facing external doubts and internal divisions, the organization's leadership position remained unshaken.
他这个人，你放心，说的话绝对算数，心里那点事儿从来没动摇过。
informalDon't worry about him; what he says counts. His mind about that matter has never wavered.
经济危机的冲击使得许多人对资本主义制度的优越性产生了动摇。
academicThe impact of the economic crisis caused many to waver in their belief in the superiority of the capitalist system.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
毫不动摇
unwavering; not flinching in the least
从未动摇
never wavered
开始动摇
began to waver
Often Confused With
'Yóuyù' means to hesitate or be indecisive, often when choosing between options. 'Dòngyáo' implies that a previously firm belief, decision, or position is becoming unstable or is being challenged.
'Yáobǎi' suggests frequent back-and-forth changes in stance or opinion, often implying inconsistency or lack of principle. 'Dòngyáo' focuses more on the loss of original firmness rather than the act of switching.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Primarily used for abstract concepts like beliefs, decisions, and resolve. While it can technically describe physical instability, other words are usually preferred for that context. The implication is often negative, suggesting a weakness or vulnerability.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'dòngyáo' with 'yóuyù' (hesitate) or 'yáobǎi' (sway back and forth). Ensure the context involves a loss of firmness or stability, not just simple indecision or repeated changes.
Tips
Focus on Unsteadiness
Remember 'dòngyáo' signifies a loss of firmness or stability. Think of a wobbly table or someone doubting their strong beliefs.
Avoid Overuse for Physical Objects
While possible, 'dòngyáo' is less common for describing physical shaking compared to words like 'yáohuàng' (摇晃). Reserve it primarily for abstract concepts.
Importance of Steadfastness
In Chinese culture, qualities like steadfastness (坚定) and unwavering resolve are often highly valued. Therefore, 'dòngyáo' often carries a negative connotation, implying a failure to uphold these virtues.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '动' (dòng), meaning 'move' or 'shake', and '摇' (yáo), also meaning 'shake' or 'wobble'. Together, they vividly describe the action or state of becoming unstable and unsteady.
Cultural Context
Steadfastness and unwavering commitment are highly valued virtues in many Chinese cultural contexts. Consequently, 'dòngyáo' often carries a negative connotation, implying a lapse in these valued qualities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong tree ('dòng' - move) whose roots are loosening ('yáo' - shake). Its firm stance is now unstable.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions动摇主要用于形容人的意志、信念、决心、立场等抽象事物的不坚定或不稳定状态。有时也用于描述物体或局面的稳定性受到影响。
动摇本身是中性词，但根据语境，它常常带有贬义，暗示了意志薄弱、立场不稳或局势不佳。例如，“他的决心动摇了”通常不是好事。
‘犹豫’更侧重于在选择时拿不定主意，而‘动摇’则更强调原有的坚定信念或状态受到了冲击，不再稳固，可能导致犹豫，但本身是关于稳固性的问题。
虽然不常见，但‘动摇’也可以用来形容物体因为外部力量（如风、震动）或自身结构问题而变得不稳定，有倾倒或散架的危险。但更常用的词是‘摇晃’或‘晃动’。
Test Yourself
尽管面临巨大的压力，他打击犯罪的决心从未______。
这里需要一个词来表示决心没有因为压力而变得不稳固，‘动摇’最符合语境。
下列哪个句子中的“动摇”使用不当？
选项 B 中用“动摇”来形容窗户被风刮得晃动，虽然勉强可以理解，但不如“摇晃”或“晃动”准确和常用。其他选项都描述了抽象事物的状态变化，用法正确。
请用“动摇”和“信念”造一个句子。
选项 D 完整且自然地表达了在困难面前信念依然坚定的意思，符合“动摇”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Dòngyáo describes a state of wavering or the act of causing something (like beliefs or stability) to become unsteady.
- Wavering, irresolute, or causing instability.
- Affects beliefs, decisions, positions, or even physical stability.
- Implies a loss of firmness or a challenge to the status quo.
Focus on Unsteadiness
Remember 'dòngyáo' signifies a loss of firmness or stability. Think of a wobbly table or someone doubting their strong beliefs.
Avoid Overuse for Physical Objects
While possible, 'dòngyáo' is less common for describing physical shaking compared to words like 'yáohuàng' (摇晃). Reserve it primarily for abstract concepts.
Importance of Steadfastness
In Chinese culture, qualities like steadfastness (坚定) and unwavering resolve are often highly valued. Therefore, 'dòngyáo' often carries a negative connotation, implying a failure to uphold these virtues.
Examples
4 of 4面对巨大的压力，他的决心开始动摇了。
Facing immense pressure, his resolve began to waver.
尽管遭受了外部的质疑和内部的分裂，该组织的领导地位并未动摇。
Despite facing external doubts and internal divisions, the organization's leadership position remained unshaken.
他这个人，你放心，说的话绝对算数，心里那点事儿从来没动摇过。
Don't worry about him; what he says counts. His mind about that matter has never wavered.
经济危机的冲击使得许多人对资本主义制度的优越性产生了动摇。
The impact of the economic crisis caused many to waver in their belief in the superiority of the capitalist system.
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